Country Reports
2016
February 8, 2016
Morocco: Selected Issues
Description: This paper discusses two selected issues related to the economy of Morocco: fiscal multipliers and efficiency of public spending on education in Morocco. Because of the several exogenous shocks to the economic condition of Morocco, interest in estimating the size of the fiscal multiplier has increased in recent past. To better understand the size of the fiscal multiplier, it may be necessary to better comprehend the relationship between key macroeconomic variables in both the short and long run. Despite spending substantially on education in compared to other countries, youth unemployment in Morocco is high. This paper aims to help tackle youth unemployment by focusing on the efficiency of public spending on education.
February 8, 2016
New Zealand: 2015 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for New Zealand
Description: The 2015 Article IV Consultation provides an overview of New Zealand's economic development and policies. Tailwinds have supported the economy's strong growth after the global financial crisis. However, the tailwinds have recently waned. Growth peaked at 3.5 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2014, bringing output slightly above potential. The exchange rate depreciation has cushioned some of the impact of the decline in dairy prices. The depreciation has mitigated the impact of the international dairy price decline on farmers' incomes and supported exports of travel and education services. Fiscal policy is also supportive of the economy in the short term, while consolidation is projected to resume in the medium term.
February 8, 2016
Ukraine: Technical Assistance Report-Reducing Social Security Contributions and Improving the Corporate and Small Business Tax System
Description: This paper discusses four key issues, which are closely connected, on tax policy in Ukraine. These issues are social security contribution (SSC), the simplified tax regime for small taxpayers, the corporate profit tax, and excise tax. Ukraine's SSC rates are very high, which are associated with an oversized informal sector that erodes the tax base, while the simplified tax regime for small taxpayers provides inordinate benefits that weaken the tax system and is prone to abuse. Corporate profit tax revenue has declined to its lowest level since 2006 and is now well below the regional average. Excise taxes have become an important revenue source, but remain low by international standards.
Notes: Also Available in Ukrainian
February 8, 2016
Ukraine: Technical Assistance Report-Reforming Management and Oversight of State Assets
Description: This paper discusses various public finance management reforms required for state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which is high priority of the government. High levels of direct and indirect state support are adding to the significant risks emanating from the SOE sector, a problem that is being exacerbated by the severe economic situation. There is a need to establish proper corporate governance arrangements through improving performance management frameworks and making SEOs accountable for poor performance, and reinforcing financial and fiscal discipline. Establishing independent Boards of Directors to perform stewardship and oversight function for public sector entities and improving transparency and reporting to the parliament and general public should form the cornerstone of the reform strategy for all SEOs.
Notes: Also Available in Ukrainian
February 8, 2016
Morocco: 2015 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Morocco
Description: The 2015 Article IV Consultation discusses key issues related to the economic growth of Morocco. The macroeconomic situation of Morocco continues to improve. Although growth is recovering and should reach 4.7 percent in 2015, nonagricultural activity remains sluggish and inflation remains low. In 2016, growth will be affected by a base effect following the very good 2015 agricultural season, but a gradual recovery is expected in 2017. Although recent policy action and a more favorable external environment have yielded macroeconomic improvements, the reform needs to be maintained to secure longer-term stability and raise growth potential. Much remains to be done to secure higher and more inclusive growth.
February 8, 2016
Ukraine: Technical Assistance Report-Public Financial Management Overview
Description: This report has been compiled against a backdrop of political uncertainty and heightened security concerns. Public financial management (PFM) reforms may not be to the forefront of government priorities at present but severe budgetary pressures need to be addressed and measures adopted to help implement sustainable fiscal policy. The report focuses on immediate PFM reforms needs that help alleviate immediate budget pressures, and also identifies medium-term reforms to address long-standing weaknesses in PFM systems.
Notes: Also Available in Ukrainian
February 8, 2016
Morocco: Third Review under the Arrangement under the Precautionary and Liquidity Line-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Morocco
Description: This paper reviews Morocco's economic performance under a program supported by a two-year Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL) arrangement. Macroeconomic conditions of Morocco have continued to improve, but challenges remain same. Continued reform implementation will be essential to strengthen macroeconomic buffers and promote higher and more inclusive growth. Sustained implementation of structural reforms will be critical to boost potential growth in the medium term. The authorities intend to continue to treat the current arrangement as precautionary, and are still assessing possible options regarding Morocco's exit strategy and the potential need for a successor arrangement. Overall, Morocco continues to meet the qualification criteria for a PLL arrangement.
February 8, 2016
New Zealand: Selected Issues
Description: This paper discusses prospects for potential growth, house prices, household debt, and financial stability risks, and tax policy reforms in New Zealand. Despite having world-class institutions and strong policy framework, income levels remain low relative to other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. During 1980–2014, per capita income levels have remained about 20 percent below the OECD's average income. Longstanding structural issues need to be addressed to boost potential growth. House prices and household debt have increased rapidly in New Zealand over the past two decades. New Zealand's low national saving rate is a source of vulnerability and likely contributes to the relatively high interest rates needed to attract foreign capital.
February 4, 2016
Nicaragua: 2015 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Nicaragua
Description: The 2015 Article IV Consultation presents economic outlook and risks of Nicaragua. Over the last three years, real GDP growth has averaged 4.8 percent, one of the highest in the region, while inflation has remained anchored by the exchange rate regime. Poverty has fallen sharply, but unemployment has increased due to a decline in the manufacturing sector. The current policy mix is broadly adequate to maintain macroeconomic stability in the near term, but Nicaragua needs to fortify its policy framework. In particular, reducing tax exonerators and exemptions and improving the targeting of fiscal subsidies would strengthen the efficiency and equity of public finances and contribute to rebuilding fiscal buffers.
February 3, 2016
Kingdom of Lesotho: 2015 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report
Description: The 2015 Article IV Consultation discusses key issues related to the economic growth of Lesotho. Although Lesotho achieved solid economic growth with only moderate inflation in the several years, this growth has failed to reduce poverty in the country. Lesotho's major chunk of revenue comes from South African Customs Union to finance large government expenditures, but this revenue will fall sharply in fiscal year 2016/17. Despite having substantial international reserves and fiscal buffers, a major fiscal adjustment over the next two to three years will be needed to maintain macroeconomic stability. The private sector needs to be the engine for job creation to strengthen inclusiveness.